The Form You Should Get your Dr. To Sign
I ………………(Physicians
name)…………………. do hereby state I have
advised the parent(s) of ............(Childs name)……........that
in my professional
opinion the child
should be given ………(Vaccine's
name)………….include manufacturer name, serial
#…………, batch#……….….I have
this day ...…(mm/dd/yy) …………….
administered this medication after advising the
parents
that the child is at little
or no risk from the treatment. I hereby do agree to take full
responsibility should the child at any time suffer or develop any permanent
condition deleterious or injurious to their health as a result of this
treatment. I will pay any and all costs relating to the care and treatment
of this child for the rest of his/her natural life. I further agree that if
my earnings are insufficient to meet these costs I will sell my home, my
business, and all material possessions to put the proceeds towards meeting
these costs.
............................................ witness: Parent or other
.............................................
Signature of physician

If he refuses to sign this....Sign this for his files

REFUSAL OF RECOMMENDED VACCINES
Patient Name_______________________________ Birthdate_______________
As the parent/guardian of __________________________, I have investigated
the risks and benefits of the following vaccines and diseases. I am aware
that there are documented cases of people contracting diseases for which
they are clinically fully immunized and that the manufacturers of the
vaccines do not guarantee 100% efficacy. I am also aware that VAERS (Vaccine
Adverse Events Reporting System) documented cases of over 54,000 adverse
reactions from vaccines in a 20-month period. The National Vaccine Injury
Fund, created in 1986 to compensate those damaged by vaccines has paid out
over one billion dollars in compensation to date.
POLIO: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing paralytic
disease and meningitis associated with poliomyelitis. I understand that even
under epidemic conditions, natural polio produces no symptoms in over 90% of
those exposed to it.(1) I understand that there have been no cases of wild
polio in the US in the last 20 years and that those cases which have been
documented have been caused by the vaccine.(2)
I understand the following side effects for the vaccine are possible:
Killed virus polio: temperature of *102° in up to 38%, sleepiness,
fussiness, crying, decreased appetite, vomiting, Guillain-Barré Syndrome and
allergic reaction in those allergic to neomycin, polymyxin B and
streptomycin. Precautions include those who have had a previous negative
reaction, pregnant women, and possibly those with HIV/AIDS or otherwise
compromised immune systems.
Live virus polio: Reactions include contraction of polio by those who have
received the virus and by those who have come into contact with body fluids
and wastes of the immunized person. Paralytic symptoms may follow
contraction of polio. Live virus is reportedly shed for up to 8 weeks after
the inoculation. Guillain-Barré Syndrome has also been noted. Not
recommended for use in households where someone has a compromised immune
system, for pregnant women, or where a previous reaction has been
reported.(3)
Killed virus Ipol® is grown on monkey kidney cells, contains formaldehyde,
and triple antibiotics. Poliovax® is grown on cells from an aborted baby,
contains formaldehyde, cow serum and triple antibiotic solution.(4) The
monkey kidney cells used in the original killed polio vaccine contains
SIV-40 and has been found in tumor cells of children whose parent's were
vaccinated against polio using the contaminated virus.(5) The live vaccine
is grown on monkey kidney cells, antibiotics and calf serum.
HEMOPHILUS INFLUENZAE B: I have been informed of the risk of my child
developing meningitis (although this vaccine will not protect the child from
meningitis from all other forms such as pneumococcus, and meningococcus,
viruses, and fungi), pneumonia, and infections of the blood, joints, bone,
and soft tissue associated with Hemophilus Influenzae B. I understand that
this disease is most likely in children up to 15 months of age and is fatal
in 3-6% of children who contract it. Incidence of this disease today is low
and the vaccine has not proven to be highly effective in 41% of cases,
according to some studies.(6) Treatment is available. The vaccine is often
combined with the DPT which has the highest reaction rate of any vaccine
available today. Reactions include: contracting HIB, localized pain,
erythema and induration, fever >100.6°, irritability, lethargy, anorexia,
rhinorrhea, diarrhea, vomiting, cough, when administered alone. Reactions
occurred in up to 30% of patients. When administered in conjunction with the
DPT, reactions include local tenderness erythema and induration, fever
>100.8°, irritability, drowsiness, anorexia, diarrhea, vomiting, persistent
crying, seizures, urticaria, hives, renal failure, Guillain-Barré Syndrome
and death. Reactions occurred in up to 77.9% of patients.(7) The vaccine
contains yeast, thimerosal (mercury derivative), and diphtheria toxoid when
given alone.(8)
PERTUSSIS: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing whooping
cough, pneumonia, convulsions, inflammation of the brain, and death
associated with pertussis. I understand the disease is rarely fatal, with a
99.8% recovery rate. It is most serious and life-threatening in children
under 6 months old, but there are adequate methods of treatment
available.(9) The vaccine is most often given in conjunction with diphtheria
and tetanus as the DPT or as the DaPT. Pertussis vaccine may cause: fevers
>106, pain swelling, diarrhea, projectile vomiting, excessive sleepiness,
high--pitched screaming, inconsolable crying bouts, seizures, convulsions,
collapse, shock, breathing problems, brain damage and SIDS. One in 600
suffer a severe reaction in one study (10) and 1 in 875 suffered
shock-collapse and convulsions.(11) Those in the 2nd study were only tracked
for the first 48 hours following immunization. A more recent study indicates
that 1 in 100 react with convulsions, collapse, or high-pitched screaming
and 1 in 3 of those cases sustained permanent brain damage.(12) In a study
of 103 children who died of SIDS, 70% died within 3 weeks of the DPT vaccine
and 37% of those died within the first week.(13) The DaPT is recommended as
a safer option for vaccination. Side effects of the DaPT were only tracked
for 72 hours and included: tenderness, erythema, induration, fever >102.2°,
drowsiness, fretfulness, vomiting, upper respiratory infection, diarrhea,
rash, febrile seizures, persistent or unusual crying, lethargy,
hypronic-hyporesponsive episode, urticaria, anaphylactic shock, convulsions,
encephalopathy, mono- and polyneuropathies and death.(14) Not recommended
for children under 15 months or for those who have not had 3 injections of
the DPT. Either form of the vaccine contains thimerosal (mercury
derivative), formaldehyde, and aluminum phosphate.(15)
DIPHTHERIA: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing
paralysis, heart failure, or respiratory failure associated with diphtheria.
I have also been informed that there have only been 5 cases reported
annually since 1980.(16) I am also aware that diphtheria is rarely fatal and
treated with antibiotics and bed rest. (17) The Diphtheria component is most
often given within the DPT or DaPT and includes the same side effects and
reactions as those listed for pertussis.
TETANUS: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing fatal
neuromuscular disease related to tetanus. I understand that the incidence of
tetanus is low, and there is an antitoxin, should we decline the
immunization. I understand that contracting tetanus does not provide
life-long immunity, and neither does the vaccine. I understand that to
prevent more severe reactions from the vaccine, the tetanus component has
been so significantly "diluted" that it is clinically ineffective.(18) I
understand that the death rate for properly treated cases of tetanus may be
as high as 20%.(19) Side effects of the tetanus vaccine alone include: high
fever, pain, recurrent abscess formation, inner ear nerve damage,
demyelinating neuropathy, anaphylactic shock and loss of consciousness.(20)
Tetanus given in the DPT or DaPT shot include the same side effects and
reactions as those listed for pertussis.
RUBEOLA (MEASLES): I have been informed of the risk of my child developing
pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), degenerative disease of
the nervous system with convulsions (subacute sclerosing panencephalitis)
related to rubeola. I understand the death rate for measles is .03 in
100,000.(21) I understand that since 1984, over 55% of documented, confirmed
cases of measles have been in fully immunized persons.(22) I understand that
the greatest risk of the measles vaccine may be to push the incidence of
this disease into the late teens and adulthood where it is more likely to be
fatal or cause more adverse and long-term effects.(23) The measles vaccine
is a live vaccine, and carries the risk that it will cause the patient to
contract measles. Other adverse reactions include: stinging or burning at
the injection site, anaphylaxis, fever up to one month following injection,
rash, cough, rhinitis, erythema multiforme, lymphadenopathy, urticaria,
diarrhea, febrile convulsions, seizures, thrombocytopenia, purpura,
vasculitis, optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, papillitis, retinitis,
encephalitis and encephalopathy, ocular palsies, Guillain-Barré Syndrome,
ataxia, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.(24) Measles vaccine is most
often given as a part of the MMR which includes the following side effects:
burning or stinging at injection site, malaise, sore throat, cough,
rhinitis, headache, dizziness, fever, rash, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
erythema, induration, tenderness, lymphadenopathy, parotitius, orchitis,
nerve deafness, thrombocytopenia, purpura, allergic reactions, urticaria,
polyneuritis, arthralgia, arthritis, anaphylaxis, vasculitis, otitis media,
conjunctivitis, febrile convulsions, seizures, syncope, erythema multiforme,
optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, papillitis, retinitis, encephalitis
and encephalopathy, ocular palsies, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, ataxia,
subacute sclerosing panencephalitis,(25) and a recent study from Europe
indicates that there may be a link between the MMR (measles/mumps/rubella)
vaccine and autism and irritable bowel syndrome.(26)
Measles vaccine contains chick embryo cells, neomycin, sorbitol and
hydrolyzed gelatin. MMR contains all live vaccines, chick embryo, cells from
aborted babies, neomycin, sorbitol and hydrolyzed gelatin.(27)
MUMPS: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing inflammation
of the testicles, joints, kidneys, and/or thyroid, and hearing impairment
related to mumps. I understand that mumps is rarely harmful in childhood,
and that most of the above risks occur when mumps is contracted in
adolescence or adulthood.(28) I understand that there is a Mumps vaccine
which poses the following risks: contraction of mumps from the live vaccine,
burning or stinging at the injection site, anaphylaxis, cough, rhinitis,
fever, diarrhea, vasculitis, parotitis, orchitis, purpura, urticaria,
erythema multiforme, optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, syncope,
encephalitis, febrile seizures, and nerve deafness.(29) Mumps is usually
given in the MMR and may cause those side effects and adverse reactions as
noted in the measles section above. Mumps vaccine is live and should not be
given to pregnant women. It is cultured in chick embryos and contains
sorbitol and hydrolyzed gelatin.(30)
RUBELLA (GERMAN MEASLES): I have been informed of the risk of my child
developing inflammation of the brain or joints, and of the risk of birth
defects (including eye defects, heart defects, deafness, mental retardation,
growth failure, jaundice, and disorders of blood clotting) in infants born
to mothers who contract rubella during pregnancy, related to rubella.
Therefore, I understand that the greatest risk to my child may be if she
never contracts rubella as a child, but when she is pregnant and it damages
her unborn child. If she contract rubella in childhood, she is immune for
life, and prior to the vaccine 85% of the population was immune.(31) I
understand that if she is not immune as an adult, she can choose to take the
vaccine prior to becoming pregnant. I understand that many of those who
contract rubella have been immunized (up to 80%). (32) Adverse reactions
from the vaccine among teenage girls is 5-10% and 30% in adult women.(33)
Adverse reactions include: contracting rubella from the live virus in the
vaccine, burning or stinging at the site, lymphadenopathy, urticaria, rash,
malaise, sore throat, fever, headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting,
diarrhea, polyneuritis, arthralgia, arthritis, local pain and inflammation,
erythema multiforme, cough, rhinitis, vasculitis, anaphylaxis, syncope,
optic neuritis, retrobulbar neuritis, papillitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome,
encephalitis, thrombocytopenia, purpura, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. (34)
Rubella is most often administered in the MMR and may cause those side
effects and adverse reactions listed under measles. Rubella is cultured on
the tissue of an aborted child. This child was the 27th child aborted and
tested by researchers due to exposure to rubella in a pregnant woman. It
contains neomycin, sorbitol and hydrolyzed gelatin.(35)
HEPATITIS B: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing
Hepatitis B viral infection which can cause chronic inflammation of the
liver leading to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and possibly death. I understand
that my child's risk of developing Hepatitis B is low if I am not a carrier
or infected, if my child does not engage in promiscuous sex or use drugs. I
understand that there is antibiotic treatment for HepB and that most of
those who contract it recover.(36) I understand that the HepB vaccine only
contains strains of HepB and is not effective against HepA, C, D, E, F, or
G. I understand that the HepB vaccine has the following side effect and
adverse reactions: induration, erythema, swelling, fever, headache,
dizziness, pain, prutitus, ecchymosis, sweating, malaise, chills,
weakness, flushing, tingling, hypotension, flu-like symptoms, upper
respiratory illness, nausea, anorexia, abdominal pain and cramping,
vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, lymphadenopathy, pain or stiffness in
muscles and joints, arthralgia, myalgia, back pain, rash, urticaria,
petechiae, sleepiness, insomnia, irritability, agitation, anaphylaxis,
angioedema, arthritis, tachycardia/palpitations, bronchospasm, abnormal
liver function tests, dyspepsia, migraine, syncope, paresis neuropathy,
hypothesis, paresthesis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, Bell's Palsy, transverse
myelitis, optic neuritis, multiple sclerosis, thrombocytopenia, eczema,
purpura, herpes zoster, erythema modosum, alopecia, conjunctivitis,
keratisis, visual disturbances, vertigo, tinnitus, earache, and dysuria.(37)
The studies only followed patients for 4 days post-vaccination. The most
commonly used HepB vaccine contains thimerosal, although a relatively new
release does not contain thimerosal. The vaccine also contains: aluminum
hydroxide, yeast protein, and phosphate buffers.(38)
VARICELLA (CHICKENPOX): I have been informed of the risk of my child
developing chicken pox which could potentially result in pneumonia,
secondary skin or generalized infections, or, if caught during pregnancy,
birth defects in the baby. I understand chicken pox is generally benign in
children, but results in significant lost hours at work for parents. Chicken
pox in adults often manifests as shingles, a chronic and painful condition.
I also understand that contracting chicken pox later in life may increase my
risk for herpes simplex. Side effects and adverse reactions for the chicken
pox vaccine include: contracting chicken pox from the live vaccine (27%),
pain and redness at site, swelling, erythema, rash, pruritus, hematoma,
induration, stiffness, upper respiratory illness, cough,
irritability/nervousness, fatigue, disturbed sleep, diarrhea, loss of
appetite, vomiting, otitis, diaper rash/contact rash, nausea, eye
complaints, chills, lymphadenopathy, myalgia, lower respiratory illness,
headache, teething, malaise, abdominal pain, other rash, allergic reactions
including rash and hives, stiff neck, heat rash/prickly heat, arthralgia,
eczema/dry skin/dermatitis, constipation, itching, pneunonitis, febrile
seizures, and cold/canker sore.(39) Varicella vaccine is cultured on cells
from aborted babies, and guinea pig cell cultures. It contains live virus,
monisodium glutamate (msg), sucrose, phosphate, processed gelatin, neomycin
and fetal calf serum. (40)
HEPATITIS A (HAV): I have been informed of the risk of my child developing
HAV which could potentially result in prolonged or relapsed hepatitis, but
will not result in chronic hepatitis disease. (41) HAV usually causes mild
"flu-like" illness, jaundice, severe stomach pains and diarrhea; and, in
rare cases may result in death. Infection confers lifelong immunity. (42) I
understand that the CDC admits that good personal hygiene (handwashing) and
proper santitation can prevent HAV. (43) HAV infection is spread by
contaminated water or food, infected food handlers, unsanitary conditions
following natural disasters, ingestion of raw or undercooked shellfish,
institutionalized individuals, children not yet toilet trained, blood
transfusions or sharing needles with infected people. Transmission is most
likely in developing countries where sanitation is poor and infection rate
of children under 5 is 90%. Fatality rate is less than .6% overall, and 70%
of those in patients over 49 years, many of whom have underlying liver
disease. (44) Other at-risk populations include those living on American
Indian reservations and in Alaskan Native villages, homosexually active men,
IV drug users, people using clotting factor concentrates and international
travelers. (45) Side effects and adverse reactions from the vaccine include:
injection-site soreness, headache, fever, malaise, induration, redness,
swelling, fatigue, anorexia, nausea, pruritis, rash, utricaria, pharyngitis,
upper respiratory tract infections, abdominal pain, diarrhea, dysgeusia,
vomiting, arthralgia, elevated cratine phosphokinase, myalgia,
lymphadenopathy, hypertonic episodes, insomnia, photophobia, and vertigo.
(46) Aborted fetal tissue is an ingredient in the Havrix® Hep A vaccine, as
is formaldehyde, aluminum hydroxide and 2-phenozyethanol.(47) There is
currently a combination Hep A and B vaccine, Twinrix®, being tested in the
UK. (48) Twinrix is grown in human cell cultures, contains 2-phenoxyethanol,
neomycin sulfate, polysorbate, tromentamol and formaldehyde. (49)
PNEUMOCOCCAL: I have been informed of the risk of my child developing
pneumococcal disease which could result in meningitis, blood infection,
pneumonia and/or ear infections. Iunderstand studies indicate that this
vaccine may only decrease ear infections by 9%, and only result in a 20%
reduction in chronic ear infections and ear tube insertion in that group.
understand that my child has a 7.5:5,000 chance of developing this disease
if he or she is under age 2 and a 1:5000 chance of developing it if over age
2. Risk factors for developing this disease are: immunoglobulin deficiency,
nephrotic syndrome, Hodgkin's disease, congenital or acquired
immunodeficiency, some upper respiratory infections, splenic dysfunctions,
splenectomy or organ transplant. This vaccine (PCV) was originally marketed
for immunocompromised children. (50) This vaccine is contraindicated to
children with thrombocytopenia, coagualtion disorders, or sensitivity to
diphtheria toxoid.(51) Possible side effects and complications from the
vaccine include: erythema, induration, tenderness, interference of limb
movement, inflamation, fever, irritability, drowsiness, restless sleep,
decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, fussiness, rash, hives, bronchitis,
asthma, pneumonia, otitis media (ear infection), sepsis, seizure,
anaphylaxis and death.(52) Recipients were followed for 3 days and almost
10% of the subjects made a visit to the emergency room in the follow-up
period. There were 8 cases of SIDS in the 17,066 subjects involved in the
trial.(53) Note: Children in the studies' control group received another
experimental vaccine, so there have been no trial studies done with
children who received no vaccine.(54) Prevnar contains .125 mg of aluminum
sulfate, protein polysaccharides from 7 strains of strep. pneumoniae
bacteria, diphtheria toxin, casamino acids, yeast extract. Studies indicate
that it may interfere with the safety and efficacy of other vaccines.(55)
Reference List
1. M. Burnet and D. White, The Natural History of Infectious Disease
(Cambridge, 1972), p. 16.
2. Strebel, et al, "Epidemology in the U.S. One Decade After the Last
Reported Case of Indigenous Wild Virus Associated Disease," Clinical
Infectious Diseases, (Center for Disease Control, February 1992), pp.
568-79.
3. Physician's Desk Reference (PDR), 50th Edition; Medical Economics, 1996,
p. 1388-1390.
4. Ibid, p. 885-886 and 891-892.
5. J. Butel, et al; "Molecular Evidence of Simian Virus 40 Infections in
Children", The Journal of Infectious Diseases ; September 1999;180:884-887.
6. PDR, 50th Edition, p. 872-875.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. Richard Moskowitz, M.D., "Immunizations: The Other Side," Mothering,
(Spring1984),p. 34.
10. Immunization: Survey of Recent Research, (United States Department of
Health and Human Services, April 1983), p. 76.
11. "Nature and Rates of Adverse Reactions Associated with DPT and DT
Immunizations...," Pediatrics, Volume 68, No. 5 (November 1981).
12. Walene James, Immunization the Reality Behind the Myth, (South Hadley,
Massachusetts: Bergin & Garvey, 1988), p. 14.
13. W.C. Torch, "Diptheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) immunization: A
potential
cause of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)," (Amer. Academy of Neurology,
34th Annual Meeting, Apr 25 - May 1, 1982), Neurology 32(4), pt. 2.
14. PDR, p. 875-879 and 892-895.
15. Ibid.
16. Robert Mendelsohn, M.D., How to Raise A Healthy Child...In Spite of
your
Doctor (Chicago: Contemporary Books, 1984), p.223.
17. Ibid. 244-246
18. Isaac Golden, Ph.D., Vaccination? A Review of Risks and Alternatives,
(Geelong, Victoria, Australia: Arum Healing Centre, 1991), p. 31
19. Richard Moskowitz, M.D., "Immunizations: The Other Side," Mothering,
(Spring1984),p. 34.
20. Isaac Golden, Ph.D., Vaccination? A Review of Risks and Alternatives;
p.
71
21. R. Mendoholson; How to Raise a Healthy Child; p. 217.
22. John Frank Jr., M.D., et al. "Measles Elimination - Final Impediments,"
20th Immunization Conference Proceedings, May 6-9, 1985, p. 21.
23. Infectious Diseases (January 1982), p. 21.
24. PDR, p. 1610-1611.
25. DR, p. 1687-1689.
26. Sara Solovitch, "Do vaccines spur autism in kids?", San Jose Mercury
News, 5/25/99.
27. PDR, p. 1687-89, 1610-1611.
28. Richard Moskowitz, M.D., "Immunizations: The Other Side," Mothering,
(Spring1984),p. 35.
29. PDR, 1708-1709.
30. Ibid.
31. R. Mendoholson; How to Raise a Healthy Child; p. 218.
32. Dr. Beverley Allan, Australian Nurses Journal, (May 1978).
33. Hannah Allen, Don't Get Stuck: The Case Against Vaccinations...,
(Oldsmar, FL: Natural Hygiene Press, 1985), p. 144.
34. DR, p. 1697-1699.
35. Ibid and Attenuation Of RA 27/3 Rubella Virus in WI-38 Human Diploid
Cells; Amer J Dis Child vol 118 Aug 1969 and Studies of Immunization With
Living Rubella Virus ; Arch J Dis Child vol 110 Oct 1965.
36. John Hanchette, "Safety of controversial hepatitis B vaccine at center
of debate" Gannett News Service, 5/18/99.
37. PDR, p. 1744-1747, 2482-2484.
38. Ibid.
39. PDR, p. 1762-1765.
40. Ibid.
41. CDC Viral Hepatitis A - Fact Sheet, 9/29/00;
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/hepatitis/a/fact.htm
42. CDC Hepatitis A Vaccine Vaccine Information Statement; 8/25/98 43. CDC
Hepatitis A Facts, 11/16/00
44. Mosby's GenRX®, 10th Ed., Hepatitis A Vaccine (003158) as posted on
MDConsult website
45. CDC Hepatitis A Vaccine Vaccine Information Statement; 8/25/98 and CDC
Hepatitis A Vaccine Vaccine Information Statement; 8/25/98
46. Mosby's GenRX@, Hepatitis A Vaccine
47. Ibid.
48. "Combined hepatitis A/B vaccine offers fast protection," Reuters
Health,
4/12/00
49. Vaccines and Their Ingredients, 6/24/99; www.909shot.com
50. Michael Horwin, MA; "Prevnar: A Critical Review of a New Childhood
Vaccine" 9/19/00.
51. Prevnar package insert, Wyeth Lederle, 2/17/00
52. Ibid.
53. Horwin; "Prevnar: A Critical Review"
54. Dr. Erdem Cantekin, Ph.D.; "Pneumocaoccal Vaccine and Otitis Media",
NVIC's 2nd Intl. Public Conference, 9/8/00.
55. Horwin; "Prevnar: A Critical Review"

Refusal to Vaccinate
Child’s Name: Child’s
ID#....................................................................
Parent’s/Guardian’s Name(s):............................................................
My child’s health care provider, , has advised me that my
child (named above)
should receive the following vaccines:
Recommended
Declined
Hepatitis B
vaccine
Diphtheria, Tetanus, acellular Pertussis (DTaP)
vaccine
Diphtheria Tetanus (DT or dT)
vaccine
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib)
vaccine
Pneumococcal conjugate
vaccine
Polio vaccine (IPV)
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR)
vaccine
Varicella (chickenpox)
vaccine
Influenza (flu)
vaccine
Meningococcal
vaccine
Hepatitis A
vaccine
Other
I have read the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s
(CDC) Vaccine Information Sheet(s) explaining the vaccine(s) and the
disease(s) they prevent. I have had the opportunity to discuss these with my
child’s health care provider, who has answered all of my questions regarding
the recommended vaccine(s). I understand the following:
The purpose of and the need for the
recommended vaccine(s)
The risks and benefits of the
recommended vaccine(s)
If my child does not receive the vaccine(s),
the consequences may include:
- contracting the illness the vaccine should prevent
- transmitting the disease to others
- the need for my child to stay out of daycare or school
during disease outbreaks
My health care provider, the American
Academy of Pediatrics, the American Academy of Family Physicians, and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have all strongly recommended
that the vaccine(s) be given Nevertheless I have decided to decline the
vaccine(s) recommended for my child, as indicated above, by checking the
appropriate box under the column titled "declined."
I know that failure to follow the recommendations about
vaccination may endanger the health or life of my child and others that my
child might come in contact with. I know that I may re-address this issue
with my health care provider at any time , and that I may change my mind and
accept vaccination for my child anytime in the future. I acknowledge that I
have read this document in its entirety and fully understand it.
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Witness Date
HE0342 Copyright ©2002 9-80
Documenting Parental Refusal to Accept Vaccination
All parents and patients should be informed about the
risks and benefits of preventive and therapeutic procedures, including
vaccination. In the case of vaccination, federal law mandates this
discussion.Despite the health care provider’s best efforts to explain its
importance, some families may refuse one or more vaccinations for their
children. The use of this or a similar form may in some instances induce a
wavering parent to accept your recommendations because it emphasizes the
importance you place on being appropriately immunized. In addition to
concern for the health of their unimmunized patient, health care providers
may be concerned about liability. The American Academy of Pediatrics’
Committee on Infectious Diseases states:
Documentation of [vaccine risk communication] in the
patient’s record may help to reduce anypotential liability should a
vaccine-preventable disease occur in the unimmunized patient. Health care
providers may decide it is in their best interest to formally document a
parent’s refusal to accept vaccination for a minor child. This form, which
should not be considered a legal document without advice from a lawyer, may
be used as a template for such documentation. Completion of a form, in and
of itself, never substitutes for good risk communication nor would it
provide absolute immunity from liability. After completion of this form
re-discussion of these issues at another time may still be appropriate.
Completion of this form also does not provide a family with exemption from
state school or day care entry requirements. If you think it appropriate to
use in your setting, this form may be used in those instances where parents
refuse to have their child vaccinated with one or more vaccines. The form
may be duplicated or changed to suit your and your patients' needs.
Section on Infectious Diseases
Input from Committee on Bioethics
Committee on Community Health Services
Committee on Infectious Diseases
Committee on Medical Liability
Committee on Practice and Ambulatory Medicine
Section on Administration and Practice Management
Section on Computers and Other Technologies
Reference:
American Academy of Pediatrics. Informing Patients and
Parents. In: Pickering LK, ed. 2000 Red Book:
Report
of the Committee on Infectious Diseases.
25th ed. Elk Grove Village, IL:American Academy of
Pediatrics; 2000:
pages 5-6.

Dear Dr. ________,
We're delighted that our (new child will be receiving) (our child is
receiving) your excellent care and have every confidence in your caring,
knowledge and professional judgment. At the same time, given recent concerns
about the safety of Thimerosal, a preservative used in many vaccines, we
have made the decision that our child receive only vaccines that you can
guarantee in writing do not contain Thimerosal.
Despite the 1999 FDA phase-out of Thimerosal, we are aware that it's still
present in many vaccines being offered to children. We are therefore asking
that you check by reading the package insert on each and every vaccine
intended for our child to assure that Thimerosal is not in the contents.
We then ask that you fill in the following list informing us of the type,
manufacturer, and lot number of each vaccine, scheduled for our child at
(birth, or Insert child's age and date and time of upcoming appointment).
Vaccine manufacturer
Date
Lot number
Thimerosal (yes/no)
Dr's signature
In addition, we request that you inform us whether or not each vaccine does
or does not contain Thimerosal. We would like to ascertain this information
prior to our appointment and are available for further discussion.
In the event, that you cannot provide a Thimerosal-free vaccine for any
given vaccine on our child's schedule, we want you to know that we withhold
informed consent. We do not agree to our child's receiving that vaccine, or
any other vaccine containing Thimerosal. If you can refer us to a provider
using a Thimerosal-free vaccine, we would be most grateful.
Apart from our need for absolute certainty on this question, we intend to
keep working with you, and thank you so much for taking the time and trouble
to assure our child's health and safety.
Many thanks...
Yours truly,
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